Power Will Keep Changing Hands

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Allah has disclosed the secret of life. There were two creations before Adam (alai). They were Jinns and angels. Man was made vicegerent. He was given political power. Iblis, the leader of Jinns, challenged this decision. Angels raised doubts. Angels reassessed their position, made corrections and were saved. Iblis failed to accept his mistake. He was cursed and removed from the Grace of God.
This is the secret of life. Agree completely to Allah’s plan and scheme. Otherwise you will be at loss.
Supremacy will keep changing. Someone will be enjoying authority for some years, then someone else will replace. This is not only in politics. We should comply with Allah’s scheme in every moment in life. Otherwise we will end up rebelling. One option is possible, another is impossible. Angels agreed to what is possible and succeeded. Iblis chose impossible option and failed.
Two options are given in every sphere of life, be it family life, national outlook, social activities or international problems. One is to agree with God’s plan, another is to challenge and rebel.
From 1952, governments have been rotating in Egypt. Politics will not give complete control. People coming to power seek to extend their authority. Rulers continuously created legislation unilaterally. Everyone was overwhelmed by opposition. Sixty years have passed. Farooq, Najeeb, Naser, Hosni Mubarak, Anwar Saadat, Muhammad Basheer, again new opposition has come. Everyone ascended the throne in the name of Islam and imposed laws on people.
Full control will not be given by entering politics. Fake Islam has been implemented for sixty years. Good things can be done with the limited power available. But they expect complete authority. I should get everything. This was the desire of Iblis. If he had accepted the position of Adam (alai), he would have got his chances.
Some power will be given to you, some to others. This is the model. King addressed Prophet Yusuf (alai) and told, ‘I will be supreme power. You can have other controls’. Yusuf (alai) became the minister for agriculture. Surah Yusuf, 12, verse 76. ‘deenul malik’. ‘kazayinul arl’. Political power should not flow into every domain. It should be restricted. Bible quotes Isa (alai): give to Caesar what is due to Caesar, give to God what is due to God.
Political power belongs to the ruler. Other domains are for the people. Rulers should not interfere in media, education, missionary works and industries. Government is called as ‘Administration’ in America. This is the perfect terminology.
When Prophet (sal) entered Medina along with Abubakkar (rali), people welcomed them saying, “You are our ruler”. A new kingdom blossomed in Medina and extended outwards. ‘Sayeefatul Medina’ declaration was announced. Muslims and Jews can follow their religions. Prophet will be the political head. Everyone will be given religious freedom. Claiming absolute authority is against God’s plan. This will only create conflict and tension and that will escalate up to suicide killings.
Take lessons from the revolution in Europe. Kings were supreme powers. They did not encourage scientific advancements. Scientists were murdered. People discussed and brought forward democracy. Some consider democracy as anti-Islamic. This is wrong. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 140 – ‘wa tilkal ayyaamu nudaawiluhaa bainannaas’. We bring time to men by turns.
Election should be conducted with full freedom. People should elect their rulers. Democracy is the best available solution for us. Ruler will not be given complete power in democracy. There will be restraints. This is completely in tune with God’s plan. But Muslims are opposing. Democracy is missing in Muslim nations. They have not understood it. Authoritarianism is allowed. In some nations, democracy exists only for namesake. But many groups keep waging clashes and conflicts. Some should get political power, others should be free to operate in other fields. Democracy will succeed if this is agreed. Democracy has not succeeded in Pakistan and Egypt. People are failing to understand.